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Above 1200 Sq/FT building my BIG PARTY garage

Wokspaces above 1200 squarefeet.

ambenz

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 12, 2010
Messages
4,237
Location
NW Chicago Suburbs
Dang Don, you know that place is now a Museum....and you, the Curator. Best hire a Charm school girl and teach her to be your social media director or your going to loose your voice!
I know if I was there, I sleep over on the couch in the game room upstairs till I got to scrutinize every friggin display in that joint! Thanks for sharing a little piece of your abode.
 
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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
Don, from everything you share here, it's obvious you're a TERRIFIC host. I'll bet your guests have a wonderful time in the BPG.

-- Don
Thanks 4 Dog
The colonel asked me if he could schedule a military ball in the BPG and I turned him down saying that we don't allow any booze being served here
We need to get "60 Minutes" or at least "CBS Sunday Morning" to do a feature on the BPG. Does anyone know a Producer?
Yes I do Dan
But I'm not making the call lol
 
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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
Dang Don, you know that place is now a Museum....and you, the Curator. Best hire a Charm school girl and teach her to be your social media director or your going to loose your voice!
I know if I was there, I sleep over on the couch in the game room upstairs till I got to scrutinize every friggin display in that joint! Thanks for sharing a little piece of your abode.

Ambenz
I don't know what all is here any more so I'd be there right with you doing the same thing lol
 
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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
We've been working on the C.O.E. again this week but mostly chasing parts. I can't believe how long it takes to get out of one parts house and into another. We must have lost a good day chasing yesterday and today but we have enough parts now to move forward quite aways I hope.
The body mounts are made and on the frame in all 4 corners, the steering box is mounted and the steering wheel is connected.
the cab is sitting nice and level and low so I'm pretty happy tonite.

I have the parts to clean up the motor and get it running so that's the next big hurtle along with mounting the hydro brake system which be purchased today in our travels.

The body mounts front and rear
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The steering box mounted to the frame and connected to the steering column

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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
The 3rd Christmas party is finally here and over. It was the Tri Five car club party with about 40 people here tonight.
Some drove their hot rods and we gave them special parking around the building . The regular cars went out in the dirt to park

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The garage looked quite festive and the food table was full of good BBQ

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Everyone had a good time and the white elephant gift exchange was a bust up when one guy unwrapped a plunger donated by a plumber
come to find out that the plunger had lottery tickets taped to the inside

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The party started at 5 PM, we ate at 6:30 and the party broke up after 8:30 but I didn't see the last folks leave until after 10:30
they just wanted to keep looking around.
 

Davenr

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 17, 2013
Messages
153
Hey Don and Ann,
The garage looks great for the Xmas parties, well done.
Hope you have a great, safe Xmas over there.
Vanley and I down with Covid right now and not too good but hoping to be clear for Xmas with the family.
Cheers David and Vanley
 

drivesitfar

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 23, 2013
Messages
36,080
Location
Pacific Northwest
I love those mid 50’s Chevy cars. Looks like a great smallish group compared to the big parties you put on.

Need more Carmel corn to get you thru the truck build cause I’ll be watching?

Merry Christmas and here’s to a great 2023!!
 
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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
Very festive! It’s fun to see those exterior photos, Don. I like that arcade of garage doors.
Thank you 4xdog
Those doors do look good with the lights on at night and they sure make easy access to the cars inside
Hey Don and Ann,
The garage looks great for the Xmas parties, well done.
Hope you have a great, safe Xmas over there.
Vanley and I down with Covid right now and not too good but hoping to be clear for Xmas with the family.
Cheers David and Vanley
Thanks David
So sorry to hear the bad news. Hope you get past it soon!!
Merry Christmas to both of you
I love those mid 50’s Chevy cars. Looks like a great smallish group compared to the big parties you put on.

Need more Carmel corn to get you thru the truck build cause I’ll be watching?

Merry Christmas and here’s to a great 2023!!
Drives
That carmel corn was a nice surprise. Thank you
You are spot on the smaller party was very nice (not so much work)
Go easy on those treats, the coe will be in progress for a while
Merry Christmas to you and your family
Garage parties looked great Don. Sorry to hear about your hand but hope you heal quickly.
Thanks Mike
It looks like you guys may be in for a white Christmas this year
The hand is coming along fine now that I have stopped banging it on everything in sight. I do miss being out in the garage though
Thanks for checking in and have a great christmas
 

zmotorsports

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Oct 20, 2009
Messages
21,497
Location
Northern Utah
Thanks Mike
It looks like you guys may be in for a white Christmas this year
The hand is coming along fine now that I have stopped banging it on everything in sight. I do miss being out in the garage though
Thanks for checking in and have a great christmas

Yeah, we've had snow for much of the past couple of weeks and another one supposedly for the holiday this weekend.

You know how it goes, whenever you have an injury it seems to be the body part that everything catches on. :ROFLMAO:

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas as well Don, as well as a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
 

Davenr

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 17, 2013
Messages
153
Hi Don and Ann,

Spoke to friends of mine Phil and Carolyn Munday today. They visited way back in 2016 with me and they send their best wishes to you both!
Cheers david
 

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Bears Fan

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 26, 2012
Messages
3,444
Location
Indiana
The Big Party Garage looks amazing! Glad to see everyone had a good time, love those Tri-Fives.

Hope you and Ann have a wonderful Christmas Holiday 🎅
 
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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
Yeah, we've had snow for much of the past couple of weeks and another one supposedly for the holiday this weekend.

You know how it goes, whenever you have an injury it seems to be the body part that everything catches on. :ROFLMAO:

I wish you and your family a Merry Christmas as well Don, as well as a Happy and Prosperous New Year.
Thanks Mike
Finger is getting better. Christmas is on us all now
Hi Don and Ann,

Spoke to friends of mine Phil and Carolyn Munday today. They visited way back in 2016 with me and they send their best wishes to you both!
Cheers david
David
I do remember them. They are fine folks. Thank you
Don, thank you for sharing all the things you do. It's an inspiration to us mortals and I hope you get a healed hand for Chritmas. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you and Ann. xmas
Thanks Bob
It is guys like you that make this nasty world worth living in. I so enjoy reading your positive attitude and true concern for others
I'm happy that what little I share is appreciated so much. We look forward to another year of friendship
The Big Party Garage looks amazing! Glad to see everyone had a good time, love those Tri-Fives.

Hope you and Ann have a wonderful Christmas Holiday 🎅
Thank you Tony
And sending you the same. It's been a fun year full of great friends. Thanks for all the time you have spent over here in my garage via the net
 
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LutzTD

Well-known member
Joined
Dec 31, 2011
Messages
3,673
Location
Lutz, Florida
Just a quick update
I have spent the last couple of days playing with the C.O.E. out in the garage and now have the front end fitted to the new frame. So body work will soon be started

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Yes that is me sitting in the cab deciding where to mount the seats

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excellent, the truck is great looking in front and in profile! classic lines. When you get it finished, what a
Just a quick update
I have spent the last couple of days playing with the C.O.E. out in the garage and now have the front end fitted to the new frame. So body work will soon be started

IMG_0508.JPG

Yes that is me sitting in the cab deciding where to mount the seats

IMG_0503.JPG
truck looks fantastic, maybe I missed it but do you have any special plans for using it once it is finished, or is it a day tripper? Merry Xmas :)
 

Swanny1953

ALLIANCE MEMBER
Joined
Jul 28, 2010
Messages
1,082
Location
Lucas, TX
Thanks Jim
Merry Christmas to you. Rest is in the plan for this next year
Don, you're like the Energizer Bunny - you seem to accomplish more in a week that I can get to in a month, and I'm fully retired too!! The words Rest & Don Long seem like an oxymoron when used in the same sentence!! That said, I hope your recent injury is healing well.
I always look forward to your posts - thanks so much for sharing your experience, wisdom, projects, methods, etc. with all of us - we are blessed to have you on this forum.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year.
 

RPageOne

Member
Joined
Apr 20, 2013
Messages
19
Location
DFW
Hello Don, I am a long time reader, first time poster
BPG – inspirational in many ways

Pictures – adds depth to your story which is inspirational too

Threads – wonderful way to spend spare time, educational, energizing & motivating. First thread I went back to picking up at my return after several years business effort.

Ann – Saint who clearly is a wonderful partner in life

Don – an American story of success thru work. Family man, great citizen/representative of being an American. Values & conviction to be admired as he beats to his own drum. Smart as a fox as he rarely acts without thought and a resulting plan. You are a gem sir, shucks, you would make a good Texan. Pace yourself as we are gotten to where there is no choice.

In summary, good man with a well spent life. Everything (whether it is 140 or 200) is gravy now, enjoy.

Merry Christmas & may the new year be a happy & healthier one for both of you. Smart to leave clear plastic panels so God can keep an eye on you.
 

Dan in Pasadena

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 18, 2009
Messages
13,167
Location
Pasadena, CA
Just a quick update
I have spent the last couple of days playing with the C.O.E. out in the garage and now have the front end fitted to the new frame. So body work will soon be started

IMG_0508.JPG

Yes that is me sitting in the cab deciding where to mount the seats

IMG_0503.JPG
Ok, but now we want the truth......were you making "Vroom, vroom" noises while sitting there? C'mon now!
 
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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
excellent, the truck is great looking in front and in profile! classic lines. When you get it finished, what a

truck looks fantastic, maybe I missed it but do you have any special plans for using it once it is finished, or is it a day tripper? Merry Xmas :)

Thanks Lutz
and a merry Christmas to you
Yes I have a plan for the COE it will become a car hauler for the Zephyr. I may even paint it the same color
Every day is like Christmas whenever Don posts an update to The Big Party Garage.
Well Dude
Thank you and Merry Christmas
Don, you're like the Energizer Bunny - you seem to accomplish more in a week that I can get to in a month, and I'm fully retired too!! The words Rest & Don Long seem like an oxymoron when used in the same sentence!! That said, I hope your recent injury is healing well.
I always look forward to your posts - thanks so much for sharing your experience, wisdom, projects, methods, etc. with all of us - we are blessed to have you on this forum.
Merry Christmas and best wishes for a Happy, Healthy & Prosperous New Year.
Thanks Swanny
It helps to be well equipped and have willing friends lol
Merry christmas

Merry Christmas Don, Ann, and all my fellow garage journalites.

Lou Manglass
Thanks Lou
I have enjoyed your visits over the past years
Wishing you a Merry Christmas as well
Hello Don, I am a long time reader, first time poster
BPG – inspirational in many ways

Pictures – adds depth to your story which is inspirational too

Threads – wonderful way to spend spare time, educational, energizing & motivating. First thread I went back to picking up at my return after several years business effort.

Ann – Saint who clearly is a wonderful partner in life

Don – an American story of success thru work. Family man, great citizen/representative of being an American. Values & conviction to be admired as he beats to his own drum. Smart as a fox as he rarely acts without thought and a resulting plan. You are a gem sir, shucks, you would make a good Texan. Pace yourself as we are gotten to where there is no choice.

In summary, good man with a well spent life. Everything (whether it is 140 or 200) is gravy now, enjoy.

Merry Christmas & may the new year be a happy & healthier one for both of you. Smart to leave clear plastic panels so God can keep an eye on you.
Wow RPageOne
Thanks for the post. It's gona be hard to live up to all that, but it give me a target for next year lol
Please post more often so we can get to know you Merry Christmas
Ok, but now we want the truth......were you making "Vroom, vroom" noises while sitting there? C'mon now!

Dan
Could you hear it all the way across the valley?
Merry Christmas Buddy
 
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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
So at the end of each year I walk through the party garage and take a bundle of pictures to show the changes the garage goes through.
This year was some changes but most were subtle except for the wall that I put up along side the Texaco garage.
It's been a while since I took you all on tour so I thought for Christmas I'd open the doors to the party garage and invite you all in for some hot chocolate and Christmas music (use a little imagination)

Welcome everyone come on in
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Let me turn on some lights and we can start the tour
 
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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
Ok you walked in the north door and to your left is the ice cream parlor, to your right is the rest rooms and town square is to the south.
Directly in front of you is the side entrance to the parking garage. We'll see it later from the front

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Lets walk to our right a few steps and we are standing in front of city hall, or the post office/ restrooms where the collection of tow trucks and Hallmark pedal cars are displayed behind the ferris wheel seat and bumper cars. A few step to the left of town hall is our Barbie doll store with all the dolls and outfits from the 50's and 60's the barber shop is next with an original towel steamer and a child barber chair in the corner The church holds the Emmett Kelly clown collection along with a large collection of Ron Lee clown art

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A new addition to the party garage is the Trolly car stop light from San Francisco. Only 400 of them were made back in the early days

Just got called to dinner so Ill let you all look while I eat then we will continue
 
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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
Ok guys lets gather back up again and continue down the main street of party town.
Past the church was the old country store. When Ann moved out to the south flats for a bigger store the Signal gas co moved in with all the old tire equipment jack and battery displays. The Sheriff station has the corner office and the Pennzoil mechanic garage is at the end of the street

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We'll stop here at the Pennzoil garage for a few minutes to take a look inside.
To the right is the fancy air compressor and the Alemite handy cart that has been restored, an old welder that has a neat shape to it that should get some attention soon along with that old sun test station. To the left you can see the big Pennzoil sign that we picked up from the Hershey swap meet this year and the old grease cabinet that got restored too
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From here we will walk up the hill to the car park on the south side of town where cars are sitting on car stackers. Some that run and some that are waiting to get a chance to to be restored again. It looks like the Zephyr never made it back to town after the Christmas party. Maybe those folks are visiting the country store.

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Lets take a closer look at Ann's store
It looks pretty full

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I see something new on the porch. It is a wash wringer display (I've never seen one before)

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Across the street from the country store is The new wall that we built for the airplanes and I'm storing the El Camino in here while I work on my COE truck

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don long

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
8,864
Location
southern california
Well that pretty much covers the west side and bottom of the garage. I hope you are enjoying your tour.
We still have the east side of town to cover so lets get to it.

Behind the airplane wall is the Texaco station. I brought it in ,in pieces of rusted tin several years ago. It was one of the first restorations I did here. The area next to the station is an unfinished area with STUFF pushed into it for now.
On the wall to your left starts my Blackhawk Tool Collection Area and behind that wall is the parking structure

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Inside the parking structure are several different displays. on the south wall are large scales, spark plug testers/cleaners and displays
along with other equipment. There are also a couple of cabinets full of dust cloth cans and small oilers and banks



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At the back of the parking structure we have neon signs and display cabinets between the vehicles
Take a look at the cars and I'll meet you all in the ice cream parlor for a hot fudge sundae when you are thru

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